AFC East - 2_Buffalo Bills1

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AFC EAST
BUFFALO
2014 STRENGTHS:
• Explosive offensive playmakers,
exceptional cornerback duo
Bills Offense
The Buffalo Bills offense has plenty of potential with one of
the best running games in the league, but a constant carousel of
quarterbacks made it impossible for the team to gain any traction
in the passing game. It left them ranked 22nd in points scored
and 30th in touchdowns.
Rookie quarterback EJ Manuel showed signs of promise, but
he was limited in training camp and forced to miss several games
due to multiple knee injuries. The team also lost veteran Kevin
Kolb for the year during preseason and started undrafted rookie
free agent Jeff Tuel against the Kansas City Chiefs when third
string QB Thad Lewis was injured.
Buffalo traded up in the draft to give Manuel another weapon
in the passing game. Wide receiver Sammy Watkins cost the
team an additional first and fourth round selection but he has
the ability to make an immediate impact. Watkins had over 1,400
receiving yards and 12 TDs in his final season at Clemson and has
dazzled in practice.
Leading wide receiver Stevie Johnson was traded to San
Francisco in the offseason, and the Bills brought Mike Williams
in via trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Williams will
be competing with Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin
for playing time.
2014 WEAKNESSES:
• Raw & inexperienced quarterback,
injury concerns
BILLS
While the QBs struggled, the running back pairing of CJ
Spiller and Fred Jackson proved how dangerous they could be
when both stayed healthy. The Buffalo Bills were second in the
league in rushing yards with Spiller and Jackson combining for
2,395 total yards.
The Bills also improved their offensive line in the offseason
by signing Chris Williams to play left guard and drafting Cyrus
Kouandjio in the second-round to be their long-term right tackle.
One concern is the undisclosed illness that has held left tackle
Cordy Glenn out of training camp, but he is expected to return
before the season kicks off.
Tight end Scott Chandler has appeared in 45 games
for the Bills over the last three years, and lead the team in
receptions and receiving yards last season. The team also
signed Tony Moeaki in hope that the oft-injured tight end can
resurrect his career.
Offensive Player to Watch
Sammy Watkins is one of the most talented players in
the 2013 NFL Draft, and the Buffalo Bills cemented their
pursuit of the wide receiver by trading up to the fourth overall
pick to select him.
He’ll add game-breaking speed to one of the fastest offenses
in the league. When Watkins, Jackson and Spiller are on the field
at the same time, defenses will struggle to play catch up.
From his first moments in a Bills jersey, Watkins has
generated gasps from Buffalo coaches and fans. He has the size
and hands to be an elite receiver. He’ll also get a chance to grow
alongside quarterback EJ Manuel in an offense where all of the
pressure will not be on them.
When the Buffalo Bills get Watkins into the open field, he is
going to flash all of his skills, and help transform this offense.
Bills Defense
The Buffalo Bills have a strong collection of talent on defense,
but it did not translate to great success on the scoreboard. Their
24.2 points allowed per game ranked them 20th in the league.
All of the pieces appear to be in place for the Bills to succeed.
Linemen Mario Williams, Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus
combined for 30.5 sacks and were all selected to the Pro Bowl.
RICK STEWART/GETTY IMAGES SPORT
CJ Spiller